End of my first week

Tuesday evening

More excitement. I have looked at three flats after school. Two were lovely, but they are so expensive. Though it’s further away from school I am going to take the one in this building. It is higher up so I hope it’s not so noisy at night. It is a bit cheaper and not so big. The first one I saw was lovely, but I would have rattled around in it and felt very lonely. At least Vanessa will only be 2 floors down. I have never lived so high – I will be on floor 8. The big flat was on floor 15. Lovely views.

Had another walk this evening. I thought I was lost at one point, but recognised Billa the supermarket and then the pizza place we called in yesterday after school and I found my way home. I even found the lady who sells bus tickets and got another one. Now I can either walk or catch a bus to school in the morning.

Each day holds new excitements. The children are getting used to me and Nadine and I making plans for the rest of the term. It’s rather exciting. I get two sessions completely free while the children have Russian lessons. I am doing lots of admin at the moment, but will start to use the time for planning.

I wonder what tomorrow will bring.



Thursday

No flat as I forgot to get hold of the secretary in time, so staying with Vanessa for the time being. Last evening spent time with Tracey who is also new as Vanessa had friends in. Nadine took us to buy local mobile phones. Makes life easier.

Had the meeting for parents today. All fine. I didn’t have to say much and no-one wanted to speak to me. Also did my first duty today. It last ages as we have 25minutes for break. Come the winter we need that time as it takes ages changing into outdoor clothes. The children go out unless the temperature goes below -17!!!!!! We do seem to waste a lot of time giving out snacks (twice a day), handing out lunch, changing shoes and long playtimes. Then there is Russian twice a week and music by a specialist and time just disappears.

I looked at the nationalities of the children in Year 2, Mostly Russian, but Turkish, Mexican, Norwegian, Azerbaijani, Russian/ American mix and Korean, plus at least one I have forgotten. Quite a mix and all levels of understanding English, never mind teaching maths etc. Some of the children are very bright, but are held back by language. One boy has only just started school. Very capable but lots to make up. It will make for an interesting time.

Spent my first evening here on my own as Vanessa was out. Bought some mince in Billa and cooked it to put in the freezer. Used every pan in the place!! While I was cooking it started to rain and saw the most magnificent rainbow. Attached is a photo, but I had to take it through glass, so it doesn’t do it justice. All dried up again.

Have booked my flights for after half term so committed till Christmas. I have survived my first week. I can’t believe I’ve not been here a week yet. So much has happened.

I’m beginning to plan for next week as Nadine goes away on Tuesday for a week. I’m beginning to set up my classroom so I’m all ready for when she gets back.

No more until after the weekend as I can’t log on at home at the moment.